GREENPORT, NY — Longtime Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell has been named Grand Marshal of the Greenport Fire Department's annual Washington's Birthday Parade.
The parade, which begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, brings fire departments from across Long Island to the village.
The parade, a long tradition, is one of the oldest and largest parades on Long Island.
With sirens blaring, horns and bells and bagpipes delighting onlookers, the parade, organized by the Greenport Fire Department, winds its way down Front Street before ending with a hot dog and clam chowder, a treasured finale of the day.
Russell, who has held the position of Southold town supervisor for 18 years and at Town Hall for 33, is the longest serving supervisor in town history.
Russell said, “It's a great honor and really unexpected. I know most of the members of the Greenport Fire Department and to be named Grand Marshal by them is really special.”
He spoke about the critical need that volunteer first responders serve. “Our fire departments are the most important organizations we have in any small town, second to none,” Russell said. “Our friends, families and we personally, can count on them to help us in any crisis and in all circumstances. They serve with passion, dedication and kindness. They protect us with the life-saving skills they have developed over hours and hours of the sacrifices they made through their annual training. Even beyond that, in many ways, they shape the character of the community they serve. Not only by protecting us, but with their annual activities and social events, such as the parade, which have become iconic traditions.”
Parades bring the community together, Russell said.
“Sometimes in a community, we can be divided. Issues come up, personalities clash, goals differ, whatever. The fire service is the one sure thing that unites us. We all come together to support them and honor,” he said. . “These events, whether it's a chicken barbecue, a steak dinner or a parade, bring the community together. That unity they cultivate will be on full display Saturday. The front row seat they honored me with by choosing me as Grand Marshal with I am filled with gratitude I cannot even begin to express.”